[Sender's Address]
1st September 2010
Human Resources Department
Shimizu Corporation
78 Shenton Way #11-01
Singapore 079120
Dear Sir/Madam,
Application for the Position of Engineer
I am writing in to apply for the position of engineer, in response to your advertisement which appeared on www.st701.com on 1st September 2010. I have enclosed my resume and academic transcript for your perusal. Being extremely interested in the field of building and construction, I believe that my passion and working capabilities will allow me to contribute greatly to your corporation.
I am currently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree (Honours) in Civil Engineering at the National University of Singapore (NUS), and will expect to graduate in May 2012. During the course of study, I have been equipped with the research skills and technical expertise on various civil engineering disciplines.
It would definitely be an honour to start my engineering career in an established and renowned organisation like Shimizu Corporation, a leading construction company in the world. Although I do not have the 3 years of experience as required by your corporation, I am extremely eager to learn from the experienced engineers in your organisation. Being a quick learner, I believe that my focused yet open-minded attitude towards learning will aid me greatly in my endeavour to serve your corporation.
Having been in various leadership positions during my school days, such as being House Captain, Senior Peer Support Leader and member of the Student Leaders’ Network in secondary school, as well as being part of the Civil Engineering Club committee in university, working in a team comes as second nature to me. The good interpersonal skills which I have been able to develop over this period of time will allow me to coordinate and work well with my colleagues.
I am also able to work well independently. My experience as a member of the Singapore Youth Flying Club during my JC days has trained me well to operate with an alert mind under stressful situations. In addition, I have been in competitive javelin throwing for 8 years and I strongly believe that my personal values of determination and pursuit for excellence will be put to good use if I receive the opportunity to work in your corporation.
My skills and interests, together with the confidence and enthusiasm which I am able contribute to your organisation, make me the right person for the position you are looking to fill. I look forward to meeting you for an interview to learn more about the job requirements. You may contact me at [Sender's HP number] or hjuen_sun@hotmail.com.
Thank you very much for your time and consideration.
Yours faithfully,
[Sender's Name]
Enclosed: Resume & Academic Transcript
Job Advertisement
Construction - Senior Engineers / Engineers
• Company:SHIMIZU CORPORATION
• Industry:Building / Construction / Engineering Services
• Job Function:Engineering / Technical
• Website:http://www.shimz.com.sg
• Location:#11-1, SHENTON WAY
• Job Type:Permanent / Full Time
• Date Posted:Monday, 30 August 2010
Shimizu''s lines of business: • Contracting for building, civil engineering and other construction works. • Investigation, planning, research, evaluation, diagnosis, soil investigation, surveying, design, supervision, management and consulting in connection with construction works. We invite independent, dedicated and hardworking individuals full of drive and enthusiasm to join us in building some of the most acclaimed architecture around the world. History of Shimizu Corporation Singapore (International Division HQ) • The Singapore Office of Shimizu Corporation launched its operations in 1973 • Consistently answered the demands of a vibrant economy for quality buildable design and construction • High profile achievement - Ngee Ann City, Republic Plaza and Heeren Building • Winning numerous BCA awards for construction excellence and best buildable design • Attained ISO 9002 recognition in November 1995 for our exceptional standards of quality • Attained ISO 14000 and ISO 18000 recognition in November 2002 for our exceptional standards of safety and environmental protection awareness • Upgraded to the new ISO 9001:2000 recognition in June 2003 for consistently providing exceptional standards of quality to meet customer and applicable regulatory requirements and aiming for customer satisfaction
Job Description:
Requirements:
- Degree/Diploma in Architecture or Civil/Structural Engineering or its equivalent
- Minimum 3 years’ relevant experience
- Able to coordinate with consultants and sub-contractors
- Good interpersonal skills so as to be able to work in a team
- Fresh graduates are welcome to apply
(We regret to inform that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.)
For fresh graduates, please enclose your degree certificate & transcript copies together with your resume.
Pre-requisites:
- Min. Education Level : Diploma
- Field of Study : Architecture / Civil Engineering
- Year of Exp Required : 3
- Skills : Organisational skills / Project management
- Language : English
Hi Hui Juen,
ReplyDeleteAs suggested by Ms. Lim, I think it would be better if the application letter is written in a "you" attitude instead of beggining most sentences with the word "I". We can probably avoid using the subject by writing the sentences in passive form. I am also learning how to achieve this~
From the job advertisement, it was mentioned that 3 years of experience is needed, which I consider a lot. In this case, I think you should focus on elaborating the research skills and technical expertise you've acquired in the university's curriculum. Perhaps you can summarize your ability to work individually and in a team in a paragraph.
This is just to share my point of view~ =D
Hi Hui Juen!
ReplyDeleteYeah as mentioned by Yifei, the 3 years experience needed is really an important factor. I feel that if it's one year then you can probably impress the employer with what you learnt in school as well as your skills such as being able to work independently under stressful conditions. But now 3 years of experience is required so you really got to place more emphasis on how your skills help even without the 3 years experience.
If you would like this job, you might want to consider taking an internship so that you at least will have some job-related experience!=)
But with regards to the 'I' attitude, I think it is quite hard to put into practice because I believe companies want to see how you can contribute thus it is very hard to avoid using 'I' especially in your case whereby the employer wants 3 years experience from you.
A good application letter overall but you can improve by placing more emphasis on your skills by saying how your skills over the years can replace the 3 years working experience that the employer require!=)
Hello Hui Juen!
ReplyDeleteYou've written a very direct and easy-to-read application letter. Good job!
I think it would be better if you could phrase this sentence ("a leading construction company in the world") in a different way. As in, phrase it in a way that has a professional touch to it. For example, you could say "a leading firm in the construction industry" or something like that.
Also, try not to include this line: "I am extremely eager to learn from the experienced engineers in your organisation." This line would be more appropriate if you were applying for an internship. However, in this letter, you are aiming for the position of an Engineer (a permanent staff). The company would be looking for what you can do for the company. The part on being a quick-learner (hence being able to serve the company effectively) is a better way of approaching the company here.
Keep up the good work! (:
Hi Yi Fei, Franson and Puva!
ReplyDeleteThank you all so much for your valuable and helpful comments! I'll try my best to make the changes and improve on the letter, especially on the part about the 3 years experience. From this exercise I realised that an internship can really polish up one's resume/application letter :p
Hey Jui Juen!
ReplyDeleteYour CCAs are really cool.
Some suggestions:
I think the "I have enclosed my resume and academic transcript for your perusal." would fit better in the last paragraph.
Your corporation (in first paragraph) sounds rather genetic. How about stating "I believe that my passion and working capabilities will allow me to contribute greatly to Shimizu." instead?
I think your application letter will definitely look more pro after you've gone for Industrial Attachment! :)